Lucky to be in the Lone Star State!
Big Bend National Park was established in 1944 and features historical sites, unique desert plants, spectacular vistas, and a wide variety of wildlife, including bear, javelina, mountain lion, bobcat, deer, and road runners. The park has a wealth of geology, and during the change of seasons, guests come to look for the many different wildflowers and migrating birds.
Big Bend National Park encompasses over 800,000 acres and contains three natural divisions: the Rio Grande with its meandering 118 miles of lush, green floodplain, the sprawling Chihuahuan Desert, and the majestic Chisos Mountain Range.
About Chisos Mountains Lodge & Big Bend Station
Big Bend National Park was established in 1944 and features historical sites, unique desert plants, spectacular vistas, and a wide variety of wildlife, including bear, javelina, mountain lion, bobcat, deer, and road runners. The park has a wealth of geology, and during the change of seasons, guests come to look for the many different wildflowers and migrating birds.
Tucked amidst the rugged beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert, where the Rio Grande whispers tales of ancient times and the Chisos Mountains pierce the endless sky, lies Big Bend Station, formerly known as Big Bend Resort & Adventure. This charming oasis, conveniently located at the doorstep of Big Bend National Park, offers more than just a place to rest your head – it's your launching pad for an unforgettable West Texas adventure.
We strive to provide the best possible park experience for our guests and employees. Chisos Mountains Lodge is open year-round, but the busiest time of the year is October through May.
Aramark Destinations is committed to the safety of our teams, clients, and customers. We continue to implement procedures and policies across our locations to keep everyone safe and healthy. From operations, and employee communities we are redefining the experience to meet safety guidelines while maximizing the seasonal experience. Aramark will continue to monitor available information and resources regarding COVID-19, including state and local law, and the following guidance may be modified as new information becomes available.
Here are a few things you can expect as a team member:
- Contactless Interviews: Virtual and phone interviews are available with all our locations.
- Housing and Employee Communities: We have implemented enhanced sanitation practices to keep our team members safe within all Employee Community Facilities.
- Employee Training: Extensive and detailed training on all safety policies and procedures for each team member during their onboarding and throughout the season.
- Personal Protective Equipment: Facial coverings and additional personal protective equipment are provided to associates, based on your position.
- Vaccination Status: Some of our locations require all individuals working on-site to be fully vaccinated against COVID 19. Please review job descriptions for further information.
The Employee Experience
We're all here because we love Big Bend National Park! One of the most important characteristics we look for in our staff is a passion for the natural world and a belief in the conservation mission of the National Park Service.
We live in close quarters here, and there's very little separation between work and home. You clock out, head up to the housing, and see your coworkers. For this reason, it's very important that staff be flexible, communicative, emotionally mature, community-oriented, and able to solve interpersonal problems. It's also important that our staff are able and motivated to take time for themselves.
Ideal Candidate
We work hard and play hard! You're the kind of person who is flexible, always willing to help, and personally invested in the team's success. Our best teammates are people with positive attitudes and eager to experience the nature we have here at Big Bend!
Room and Board
Room and meals are provided to staff at a reduced employee rate. Charges for room and board are handled as a payroll deduction.
The charge for housing is $4.00 per day (currently single occupancy). Housing is shared with fellow employees. Team members share a common area with other employees. These common areas include a full kitchen, washer, dryer and satellite TV. We have limited availability for couples. Linens, blankets, etc. are furnished by the Company upon request. Employees are responsible for the cleanliness of their quarters. Housing is offered both in a dorm within walking distance of the lodge and in Panther Junction. Most employees live in Panther Junction which is about a 20-minute drive from the lodge and the employee dining room. Kitchens are also provided in all housing units. Shuttles are provided daily from staff housing to and from the lodge.
A limited number of RV sites are also available for employees at $4.00 a day. Please let Human Resources know if you plan to bring an RV or trailer.
Meal charges are $4.00 each and employees are charged only for the meals they eat. The employee dining room is located at the lodge. Employees may request their meal from the employee menu (12-20 options) during set hours. Each meal is made fresh for each employee. There are a limited number of vegetarian options.
Employee Perks
We want our employees to be able to make the most of their time here, so you'll have access to:
- Free river, Jeep or ATV excursions through Far Flung Outdoor Center on a space-available basis
- Free Jeep tours through Overland Tours on a space-available basis
- 40% off on gift items, health and beauty, film, batteries, bookmarks, postcards, and playing cards
- 15% off on taxable and non-taxable grocery items
- 20% off meals when eating in the dining room
- Friends and family room discounts at the Chisos Mountains Lodge and Big Bend Station during slow periods
Getting Here and Getting Around
Employees are responsible for their own transportation to and from Big Bend National Park. Pick-ups in Alpine from the bus station or train station can be arranged in advance. Shuttles are provided daily from housing to/from the lodge. Several day trips to town are offered to staff each year.
A personal vehicle is not required but highly recommended. There is no public transportation in the park or to/from any local communities. The closest town is Terlingua/Study Butte just outside the west entrance of the park. It is about a 30 minute drive and includes a small grocery store, the Terlingua ghost town and several local restaurants. The closest place to find fast food is in Alpine, a two hour drive. Alpine also has a two screen mini theatre, two grocery stores, hardware store, and several art galleries. A Super Wal-Mart is located in Fort Stockton. Fort Stockton is a two and half hour drive. Many employees will go to town together or offer to pick groceries up for others.
For Fun
Sometimes considered "three parks in one," Big Bend includes mountain, desert, and river environments. An hour’s drive can take you from the banks of the Rio Grande to mountain peaks nearly a mile high. Here, you can explore one of the last remaining wild corners of the United States, and experience unmatched sights and solitude. There are over 200 miles of hiking trails throughout Big Bend National Park. Ranger programs are offered daily during the busy season and are free. They include walks/hikes and presentations about geology, animals, night sky, and so much more.
The night skies are some of the darkest in the country. Big Bend National Park received the International Dark Skies – Gold Tier recognition. This means you can see tons of stars and on some nights the Milky Way will be so bright it will take your breath away. River trips, horseback riding, and ATV trips are available through local outfitters just outside the park. Study Butte and Terlingua also host several restaurants and a few bars. Photography, birding, hiking, reading, and writing are some of the popular activities among current staff.
How to Apply
*All Winter 2025 positions are now accepting applications!*
Use the link below to complete and submit your online application. Thank you for your interest!
International Application Information:
Aramark is proud to partner with J-1 Visa sponsor programs. Interested international applicants should apply directly with their host country sponsor to begin the process.
Contact Info
- Nicole Metzger
- metzger-nicole@aramark.com
- (432) 371-3382
- careers.aramarkdestinations.com
